CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4,315		$ 4,200
Cost of sales	1,800		1,763
Gross profit	2,515		2,437
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,536		1,478
Other (income) expense, net	237		21
Operating profit	742		938
Interest expense, net	(3)		10
Income before income taxes	745		928
Provision for income taxes	239		295
Net income including noncontrolling interests	506		633
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	46		40
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 460		$ 593
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.98		$ 1.24
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97		$ 1.23
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	[1]	$ 1.20	[1]

[1] Two dividends were declared in each period.